Over 170 years ago, a 28-year-old young man ventured alone to Walden Pond. Surrounded by mountains, lakes, and the celestial wonders, he delved into deep introspection about drawing nearer to one’s soul through the way of life. His name was Henry David Thoreau.
Thoreau’s two years and two months by Walden Pond led to a book capturing this experience titled “Walden”. Within its pages, Thoreau shared his observations, reflections, and musings, painting a picture of a spiritual haven, defined by its simplicity yet profound charm. Through clear thoughts and words, he conveyed the essence of a life rooted in minimalism but enriched in spirit. “Walden” has left an indelible mark on subsequent generations, often regarded as the Green Bible and recognized as one of the 25 books that shaped readers by the Library of Congress.
Many see “Walden” as Thoreau’s introspective journey into the depths of his being. Some describe it as a serene, lonely, and solitary book. Only by immersing oneself in Thoreau’s words and the ambiance of Walden Pond can we truly grasp his message: the pinnacle of personal growth is journeying inward.
1. Journeying Inward: Ending Spiritual Depletion
Around 1845, America was rapidly advancing into the Industrial Age, leading to an era marked by materialistic excess. For many, the lure of luxury and the pursuit of worldly pleasures, even at the cost of personal freedom and nature’s harmony, became paramount. During this time, Thoreau, too, was experiencing personal challenges. As a magazine reporter, his submissions often went unrecognized. Despite his varied skills, he was not embraced by the community, faced romantic rejections, and even lost his supportive brother.
Amidst this turmoil, inspired as if by a spiritual calling, Thoreau ventured to Walden Pond. There, he crafted a humble abode and began a self-sustaining lifestyle. This reclusive life, though demanding, was rewarding in its simplicity. Far from societal chaos, he found mental tranquility and purity. Amidst nature’s hum and the company of woodland creatures, he experienced serene moments of clarity, echoing the sentiments that true nobility lies in contentment and spiritual wealth.
As author Zhang Haochen put it: “There’s a solitude that’s deliberately chosen, a retreat from worldly distractions, aiming to find moments truly belonging to oneself and understanding one’s emotions.” In today’s hectic world, moments of solitude can be therapeutic, offering an escape from the complexities of modern life. Taking this inward journey eliminates spiritual exhaustion, revitalizing the soul.
2. Turning Inward: The Start of Inner Strength
The renowned psychologist Carl Jung once said, “Those who look outside dream; those who look inside awaken.” Thoreau observed that many people in the world are always looking outward. They constantly seek external validations: a grand house, stylish clothes, luxury cars, vibrant social gatherings, and societal admiration. However, these externalities aren’t the shields that make one invincible.
A timeless line from the movie “The Shawshank Redemption” suggests: the thing that penetrates the walls of worldly confinement lies deep within our hearts. The true force that propels someone forward comes from within.
Many have asked Thoreau if he ever felt lonely or yearned for company. How did he respond? “I would rather sit on a pumpkin alone than be crowded on a velvet cushion,” he declared. “I never found the companion that was so companionable as solitude.” It was this solitude that afforded him the chance to introspect.
Through his labor, observations, reflections, and communion with nature, even a simple walk for him was an amalgamation of time, space, and deep contemplation. This journey inward provided him with inner tranquility and fortitude. His elevated mindset kept worldly desires at bay and shielded him from external criticisms. This profound introspection led to the creation of his timeless masterpiece, “Walden”.
3. Turning Inward: A Journey of Profound Reflection
“I ventured into this forest because I desired to live deliberately, to confront the essential facts of life and to see if there was anything life could teach me which I hadn’t yet grasped,” said Thoreau. He stepped into Walden with purpose, pondering questions like: How much wealth does a person truly need? Can spiritual riches withstand materialistic pursuits? What constitutes our true spiritual haven?
With these inquiries in mind, he embarked on a two-year and two-month experiment by Walden Pond. Through his diligent labor—wielding ax, shovel, and cart—he became self-reliant. By meticulously documenting eight months of expenses, he discerned that just six weeks of work could sustain a healthy life for an entire year. While to many this might seem implausible or even naive, Thoreau relished this minimalist life. As philosopher Schopenhauer suggested, the lesser one’s external demands, the more heightened their internal aspirations become.
Freed from material constraints, Thoreau could focus on nurturing his soul and expanding his thoughts. His almost-heroic endeavor in nature was about self-discovery and self-transformation, dissolving internal conflicts and resentment. More than a transcendentalist experiment, his time by the lake was a spiritual pilgrimage, aimed at understanding life’s essence and attaining inner peace, which he recognized as our most vital spiritual pillar
Leaving the sanctuary in June 1847, Thoreau continued to embrace simplicity and solitude amidst society, relentlessly pursuing spiritual freedom and vastness. In an interview on “Thirteen Invitations”, historian Xu Zhiyun was asked if he ever faced significant spiritual crises. His response, rooted in his physical disability from birth, was about accepting oneself and turning inward, a sentiment that evokes profound admiration.
Many believe life is a form of spiritual cultivation, refining our hearts and seeking insight from within. This kind of practice, embedded in our lives, tirelessly leads us to discover our true selves and settle our spirits.
In Conclusion
A young individual once expressed envy at Thoreau’s life away from societal norms and traditions. Yet, Thoreau responded that he didn’t wish others to emulate his way, but instead, hoped everyone would listen to their hearts and be their unique selves.
“While the body might be confined, the heart can find its paradise.” No matter where we are, the inward journey is an endless reflection. Only by turning inward can we clarify our values, persist with principles, and truly live. Only by turning inward can we harness life’s energy and let our true colors shine.
